Cartridge belt link



Aug. 26, 1947. R. -s. SANFORD ET AL CARTRIDGE BELT LINK Filed June 28,1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 /z9 as 1947- R. s. SANFORD a-r AL 2,426,527

CARTRIDGE BEL 1T LINK.

Filed Jdne 28, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Aug. 26, 194? UNETEDSTATES a ain CARTRIDGE BELT LINK Connecticut Application June 28, 1944,Serial No. 542,559

11 Claims.

This invention relates to cartridge belt links, more particularly tolinks of the push-through type, and the invention has for an object theprovision of improved cartridge belt links and cartridge belts of thischaracter.

Various types of cartridge belt links for feeding ammunition to machineguns and automatic cannon have heretofore been provided wherein thecartridges themselves form the hinge pins or pintles between theadjacent links of the belt. In one well known type of link a pair ofspaced apart, axially aligned cartridge-receiving loops are disposed onone side of a supporting member or bridge, and a single hinge loopextends from the other side of the bridge at a point opposite the spacebetween the aligned loops. In assembling the cartridge belt the singlehinge loop of one link is placed between and in alignment with the twospaced loops of the next link, and a cartridge is then inserted throughthe three aligned loops. In order to retain the cartridges in the beltduring the feeding operation, the two aligned loops of each link areformed so that one or both of these loops tightly and frictionallyengage the cartridge extendin therethrough.

In order to provide for feeding of the cartridge belt along circuitouspaths and around various guide and feed rollers, and to permit thecomplicated and substantially universal movements through which the gunmay be manipulated during firing, the cartridge belt must be capable oftwisting, flexing and curving in various directions under variousfeeding and firing conditions. The necessity of such flexibility hasheretofore been recognized, and various expedients have been adopted inlinks of the above described character in order to provide the necessaryflexibility. As is well known, however, the feed mechanisms of modernmachine guns and automatic cannon are, in substantially all cases, ofsuch a character that the cartridge belt is advanced during the feedingoperation in short rapid steps so that each of the cartridges in turnwill be moved to a desired loading position. Obviously such intermittentmovement, consisting of short sharp jerks, will impose on the belt heavyloads which tend to stretch the belt. Also, such intermittent movementtends to take up any clearance which may exist between the cartridgesand the loops of the links and thus varies the spacing or pitch distancebetween the successive cartridges. An excessive variation in the pitchdistance between cartridges is fatal to the proper operation of themachine gun or automatic cannon and, particularly in aircraft whereservicing under battle conditions is difi'icult if not impossible, it isimperative that the cartridge belt be so constructed as to not only becapable of the necessary flexing and twisting, but that it also becapable of maintaining the pitch distance between adjacent cartridgeswithin the necessary limits under the strains and stresses imposed bythe feeding mechanism and the additional strains and stresses which maybe imposed on the belt by high speed maneuvering of the aircraft.

As a consequence of certain recent improvements in machine guns orautomatic cannon, improved cartridges have been developed in which thecartridge case is formed with a large taper so that the diameter of thecase decreases substantially from the rear or firing end toward thefront or projectile-receiving end. In addition, the improved gunsdesigned to operate with such cartridges have been provided with loadingmechanisms of the push-through type, so that the cartridges are loadedfrom the belt into the gun by pushing the cartridge forwardly throughthe links and into the breech of the gun. Due to the use of taperedcartridges of the above-indicated character in guns having a loadingmechanism of the push-through type, difficulties have been encounteredin the provision of suitable cartridge belt links. Obviously the singleloop of the link must be of large enough diameter to permit the largerear end of the cartridge to pass therethrough, and since the portion ofthe cartridge normally surrounded by '-the single loop is of muchsmaller diameter than the rear end of the cartridge, it will be clearthat a large clearance would exist between the single p and thecartridge during feedin of the belt. Consequently, if the cartridgesthemselves are used as the hinge pins or pintles, so much play or slackwould be introduced into the belt as to render substantially impossiblethe maintenance of a fixed pitch distance. It is accordingly a furtherobject of this invention to provide an improved cartridge belt link andbelt for use with cartridges and feeding mechanism of the abovecharacter.

In carrying out the invention in one form, a cartridge belt link isprovided which is adapted to cooperate with other similar links to forma disintegrating cartridge belt, each link being constructed to providea first cartridge-receiving part having a substantially semicylindricalportion forming an internal arcuate track, and a second part having asubstantially semicylindrical portion disposed in side-by-side relationto the internal track portion, with the open sides of the two portionsfacing in the same direction. Means are provided for interconnecting theadjacent edges of the two portions to hold the two parts of the link inlaterally fixed relation, and in assembling the belt the semicylindricalportion of the second part of one link is disposed in nesting relationwithin the internal track portion of the first part of an adjacent link.The part of the link having the internal track portion also includesmeans disposed in axial relation to the internal track portion forsupporting a cartridge with a portion of the cartridge extending acrossthe track portion through the nesting portion so as to maintain theadjacent links in assembled relation, the nesting portion of one linkbeing arcuately movable in the internal track to permit flexing of thecartridge belt.

Preferably, the interconnection between the two parts of each link is soformed as to permit relative twisting or tilting movement of the'twoparts, and since the nesting portion of each link is arcuately movablein the track portion of an adjacent link, the belt thus formed iscapable of twisting, flexing or curving in various planes. The externaldiameter of the nesting portion is substantially equal to the internaldiameter of the track portion so that lateral movement between adjacentlinks is prevented by the interengagement of these portions in nestingrelation.

The cartridge supporting means on the part of the link forming theinternal track preferably comprises a clamping portion disposed axiallyof of the track for frictionally engaging the enlarged rear end of atapered cartridge, and a guide portion having an internal diametergreater than the diameter of the large end of the cartridge is providedon the opposite side of the track portion for limiting tilting movementof the front end of the cartridge about its point of support in theclamping portion.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference should nowbe had to the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge belt link embodying thisinvention, looking at the link from the bottom side thereof;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the link shown in Fig.1;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of one part of the link showing the econdpart in section only, the section being taken along the line 3-3 of Fig.2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view through the link taken substantially alongtheline li of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of a link and cartridge disposedWithin the feedway of a gun;

Fig. 6 is a somewhat diagrammatic view showing the manner in which feedpawls may engage the links to move the cartridges along the feed- Fig.10 is a somewhat enlarged sectional view taken substantially along linesHllfl of Fig. 3.

Referring now to the drawing, the invention is shown as embodied in acartridge belt link ID comprising separately formed parts H and I2 whichare interconnected in laterally fixed relation as will be more fullydescribed hereinafter. The part H includes a centrally disposedsubstantially semicylindrical portion l3 forming an internal track forreceiving in nesting relation the part [2 of an adjacent link, as shownin Figs. '7, 8 and 9, the part I2 also being substantiallysemicylindrical and having outstanding flanges or runners 14 on theopposite sides thereof for engaging the internal track portion l3 of anadjacent link.

In addition, the part I! includes a clamping or supporting portion l5which is shown as being integral with the portion I3 and comprisingoppositely disposed arcuate resilient fingers separated from the trackportion 93 by arcuately extending slots. Also formed integrally with thetrack portion H] on the opposite side thereof from the clamping portionI5 is a guide portion l6 which is embossed throughout the greaterportion of its length to provide a radiall rigid structure. The portionsl5 and I6 extend throughout a greater are than the semicylindrical trackportion l3, but the arcuate fingers which form the parts l5 and I6 havethe ends thereof in spaced relation on the bottom of the link to definestripperreceiving slots I 7 and I8 in alignment with the open side ofthe track portion It so that the stripper or bolt engaging the rear endof a cartridge may move throughout thelength of the link to expel thecartridge in a forward direction. The respective width of the slots HandH! are less than the respective diameters of the portions of thecartridges to be encircled by the portions l5 and I5 so as to preventlateral movement of the cartridges out of the links.

In order to interconnect the parts I I and I2 in laterally fixedrelation while permitting relative twisting and tilting movement betweenthe parts to obtain the desired flexibility of the belt, a pin and slotconnection i provided. Thus, the track portion I3 is bowed outwardlyadjacent one edge to form an axially arcuate edge portion l9, and anaxially extending slot 20 is formed therein. Extending from one edge ofthe part i2 is a finger or hook portion 2! which is of axially arcuateconstruction and which is adapted to hook over the arcuate edge portionl9 so that a pin or rivet 22 carried by the hook portion 2! extendsthrough the slot 20 to interconnect the parts H and 12. Relative tiltingmovement of the parts H and I2 i permitted by the arcuate 'formation ofthe hook 2| and the edge portion t9, the pin 22 moving along the axialslot 20. One extreme tilted position of the part I 2 is shown in brokenlines in Fig. 2.

Twisting of the parts H and I2 relative to each other is permitted byrotation of the pin 22 in the slot 20, as shown best in Fig. 3, the yokeof the hook portion 2| being tapered outwardly from the center thereofto permit the desired amount of twisting movement. Although any suitablepin or rivet may be employed, the pin 22 is preferably constructed asshown best in Fig. 4.

As shown, the shank of the rivet 22 is provided with a reduced endportion 23 which extends through the outer leg of the hook portion 2!and when the extending end of this reduced portion 23 is upset, thisouter leg of the hook portion 2! will be rigidly secured between theupset head 24 and a shoulder 25 on the shank of the rivet. The length ofthe main shank portion of the rivet which extends through the slot 20and through the inner leg of the hook portion 21 is such that a slightclearance is left Lbetween :the inner .leg and the head of the rivet.Accordin'g'l g-when lateral forcesareexertedon the parts H and :l2ftheedge portion 4'9 on part ill will pull against the .outer leg of :thehook 121 and tend to 'flex this leg before any shear stress is-exertedon the heads :of the rivets. Only if the outer leg is flexedsufi'iciently'to take up the clearance between :the inner leg of thehook and the adjacent head of the rivet will the rivet be subjected toshear stress. Thus .a .stronger construction is obtained than :if aconventional rivet were used and all of the lateral stresses wereimposed on the rivet.

In order to assemble the links and the cartridges to :form a belt it 'isnecessary only :to nest the :part 12 of one link within arcuate track I8'oia second link and insert a cartridge 26 into the assembled links fromthe ."rear end thereof. The cartridge '25, as previously indicated, hasa substantial taper and the resilient fingers 15 of the part II are sospaced as to frictiona'lly grip the rear end of the cartridge casingwhen the cartridge .is inserted. To guard against accidentaldisplacement of the cartridges from the links during feeding of thebelt, the fingers 55 are "provided with forwardly facing,inwardly'extending lugs-2? adapted to snap into the extractor groove 28of the cartridge when the cartridge reaches its proper position withinthe links. The lugs 21 slope inwardly toward the forward end of thelink, as shown best in Fig. '10, and the fingers '15 and the lugsZ'ihave sufficient resilience so that the lugs will not prevent forward.movement of the cartridges (due to the rear'edge of the extractorgroove 23 catching on the lugs) from the belt under the force exerted bythe stripper or boltof the gun. Rearward movement of the cartridge willbe prevented by the relatively square forward edge of the lugs engagingthe forward edge of the extractor groove.

Since, as shown best in Fig, '7, the fingers of the portions 15 and i6extend more than half way around the cartridges, lateral movement ofthe'cart-ridges out of the belt and consequently lateral movement of thenesting parts 12 out of the track portions !3 of the adjacent link isprevented. The nested parts IIZ, however, are free to move arcuately inthe track portions so as to permit the desired fiex'ing or "curving ofthe belt in a plane at right angles to the axes of the cartridges. InFig. '7 the links H3, Ma and 5thare shown in the straight line relationwhich they assume as they pass through the feedway 3 3 (Fig. 5) of thegun, and it will be'observed that the open sides of the portions 12 and12a are respectively aligned with the slots 11b and I'Bb of the link1131) and the slots H and 18 of the link I 0 so that a stripper or boltmay move through the links to eject the cartridges in a forwarddirection.

The respective internal diameters of the nesting part 12 and the guideportions 86 of each link are large enough to permit free axial movementof the large end of the cartridges therethrough when the cartridge arepushed forwardly out of engagement with the clamping portions 15.Consequently, substantial clearance exists between the portions 12 andlfiand the respective parts of the cartridge which extend therethroughwhen the cartridges are in their normal position shown in Fig. 7. Theclearance between the cartridge and the nesting part i2, however, doesnot produce lateral play in the belt because the lateral positions ofthe adjacent linksare determined by the engagement of :the runners 214.on the nesting part 112 with the internal track .13, the cartridgemerely serving to maintain the nesting relation. As soon as thecartridge is pushed from the belt the nesting part ll2 is free to dropout of the track 13 and consequently the belt is of the disintegratingtype.

Inorder to permit flexure of the belt by arcuate movement'of the nestedparts H2 in .either direction from the straight line position shown inFig. 7, the track portions 1'3 are respectively provided with slots 29extending inwardly .from the edge thereof opposite the pin and .slotconnections. In Fig. 8 the links H] and 11011 are shown with the link iila rotated through an angle somewhat in excess :of .90" in :acounterclockwise direction from the straight line position of Fig.

7. To effect thi movement the :nested portion i2a has moved arcuately inthe track "portion 13 and the pin and slot connection of the .linkiltlla has moved through the slot 22-9 in the link I10.

In Fig, 9 the same two links are shown with the link ma rotated in aclockwise .direction from the position of Fig.8, the pin andslotconnection of the link We having moved out .of :the slot -29 andacross the open side of the :track portion l3 of the link it. Since thepart I21; and the portion i301 the links l-Baand W, respectively, aresubstantially semicylindrica'l and since a substantial clearance existsbetween the .part |12a and the portion of the cartridge extendingtherethrough, the part 12a might under .some :conditions dropout of thetrack =13 when the links assume the positionof Fig. 9. In 'orde itoprevent any such separation of the links, each of the track portions 13is provided, adjacent "the open end of the slot .29, with internal ears:30, and each of the parts i2 is provided, adjacent its free end, withoutwardly extending embossments 3!. When the links are rotated to theposition shown in Fig. 9 the cars :30 .engage the 'embossments 35a andshift the .part :lllaso that its free end moves toward the encircledcartridge to take up the clearance .and prevent the links fromseparating.

Although any suitable feedin mechanism may be provided for advancing thecartridge belt so as to bring the cartridges successive'lyinto loadingposition in the gun, the improved links embodying this invention areparticularly designed for use with feed mechanisms having a plurality ofieedpawls adapted to successively engage the links and move them along"the feedway. In Fig. 6 one such feed pawl Si is shown diagrammaticallywith its end engaging the outer periphery of the track-forming portionl3, and, in order to insure proper feeding, this track portion isprovided with'fiattened areas '35 on opposed surfaces thereof so thatfeeding of the links in-either direction may be-accomplished.

In Fig. '5 two feed pawls 34 are-shown-diagrammatically to illustratetheir relation to the links, see also Fig 6, and in addition a pair-ofholding pawls 35 are shown (Fig. 5) which 'functionto hold the cartridgebelt against rearward movement during retraction of the feed pawlsfor'th'e next forward step. It will be observed that the feed pawls 34are so spaced as toengage the flattened portions 35 on the track portionl3 ofthe link.

While we have shown particular embodiments ofour'inventicn, it will beunderstood, of course. that we do not wish to be limited thereto "sincemany modifications may be'ma'de, and, -we,'therefore, contemplate by theappended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of our invention.

Having thus described our invention, what We claim and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

1. A cartridge belt link adapted to cooperate with other similar linksto form a disintegrating cartridge belt, said link comprising a firstpart having a substantially semicylindrical portion forming an internalarcuate track, a second part having a substantially semicylindricalportion disposed in side-by-side relation to said internal track portionwith the open sides of said portions facing in the same direction, oneof said portions having an axially arcuate edge portion and the other ofsaid portions having an axially arcuate finger extending from theadjacent edge thereof in juxtaposition to said arcuate edge portion,means connecting said arcuate edge portion and said arcuate finger, saidconnecting means including an axially directed slot in one of saidarcuate edge portion and arcuate finger and a pin extending looselythrough said slot and through a hole in the other of said arcuate edgeportion and arcuate finger, whereby said parts are restrained againstlateral separation and are relatively tiltable by movement of said pinalong said slot and are relatively twistable by rotation of said partswith said pin as an axis, said internal track portion having a diametersubstantially equal to the diameter of said semicylindrical portion ofsaid second part and thereby being adapted to receive therein in nestingrelation a portion of an adjacent link corresponding to saidsemicylindrical portion of said second part, saidfirst part having meansdisposed in axial relation to said internal track portion for supportinga cartridge in said first part with a portion of said cartridgeextending across said track portion through said nesting portion toprevent movement of said nesting portion out of said track, said nestingportion being arcuately movable in said internal track to permitlongitudinal flexing of the cartridge belt.

2. A cartridge belt link adapted to cooperate with other similar linksto form a disintegrating cartridge belt, said link comprising a firstpart having a substantially semicylindrical portion forming an internalarcuate track, a second part having a, substantially semicylindricalportion disposed in side-by-side relation to said internal track portionwith the open sides of said portions facing in the same direction, oneof said portions 1 having an axially arcuate edge portion and the otherof said portions having an axially arcuate hook extending from theadjacent edge thereof to fit over said axially arcuate edge portion,means connecting said arcuate hook and said arcuate edge portion, saidconnecting means including an axially directed slot in one of saidarcuate hook and arcuate edge portion and a pin extending looselythrough said slot and through a hole in the other one of said arcuatehook and arcuate edge portion, whereby said parts are relativelytiltable by movement of said pin alon said slot and are relativelytwistable by rotation of said parts with said pin as an axis, saidinternal track portion having a diameter substantially equal to thediameter of the semicylindrical portion of said second part and therebybeing adapted to receive therein'in nesting relation a portion of anadjacent link corresponding to said semicylindrical portion of saidsecond part, said first part having means disposed in axial relation tosaid internal track portion for supporting a cartridge in said firstpart with a portion of said cartridge extending across said trackportion through said nesting portion to prevent movement of said nestingportion out of said track, said nesting portion being arcuately movablein said internal track to permit longitudinal flexing of the cartridgebelt.

3. A cartridge belt link adapted to cooperate With other similar linksto form a disintegrating cartridge belt, said link comprising a firstpart having a substantially semicylindrical portion forming an internalarcuate track, a second part having a substantially semicylindricalportion disposed in side-by-side relation to said internal track portionwith the open sides of said portions facing in the same direction, oneof said portions having an axially arcuate edge portion provided with anaxially extending slot and the other of said portions having an axiallyarcuate hook portion extending from the adjacent edge thereof to fitover said arcuate edge portion with the opposed legs of said hook onopposite sides of said slot, and a pin extending between said legs ofsaid hook and through said slot whereby said parts are secured inlaterally fixed relation and are relatively tiltable by movement of saidpin along said slot and are relatively twistable by rotation of saidparts with said pin as an axis, said internal track portion having adiameter substantially equal to the diameter of the semicylindricalportion of said second part and there; by being adapted to receivetherein in nesting relation a portion of an adjacent link correspondingto said semicylindrical portion of said second part, said first parthaving means disposed in axial relation to said internal track portionfor supporting a cartridge in said first part with a portion of saidcartridge extending across said track portion through said nestingportion to prevent movement of said nesting portion out of said track,said nesting portion being arcuately movable in said internal track topermit longitudinal flexing of the cartridge belt.

4. A cartridge belt link adapted to cooperate with other similar linksto form a disintegrating cartridge belt, said link comprising a firstpart having a substantially semicylindrical portion forming an internalarcuate track, a second part having a substantially semicylindricalportion disposed in side-by-side relation to said internal track portionwith the open sides of said portions facing in the same direction, oneof said portions having an axially arcuate edge portion provided with anaxially extending slot and the other of said portions having an axiallyarcuate hook portion extending from the adjacent edge thereof to fitover said arcuate edge portion with the opposed legs of said hook onopposite sides of said slot, and a pin extending between said legs ofsaid hook and through said slot whereby said parts are secured inlaterally fixed relation and are relatively tiltable by movement of saidpin along said slot and are relatively twistable by rotation of saidparts with said pin as an axis,

said internal track portion having a diameter substantially equal to thediameter of the semicylindrical portion of said second part and therebybeing adapted to receive therein in nesting relation a portion of anadjacent link corresponding to said semicylindrical portion of saidsecond part, said first part having means disposed in axial relation tosaid internal track portion for supporting a cartridge in said firstpart with a portion of said cartridge extending across said trackportion through said nesting portion to prevent movement of said nestingportion out arcuate edge and hook portions to permit flexure of saidbelt in either direction from a straight,

line.

5. A catridge belt link of the push-through type adapted to cooperatewith other similar links to form a disintegrating cartridge belt forcartridges having a substantial taper forwardly toward the bullet endthereof, said link comprising a first part having a substantiallysemicylindricalportion forming an internal arcuate track, a second parthaving a substantially semicylindrical portion disposed in side-by-siderelation to said track portion with the open sides. of said portionsfacing in the same direction, one of said portions having an axiallyarcuate edge portion provided with an axially extending slot, and theother of said portions having an axially arcuate hook portion extendingfrom the adjacent edge thereof to fit over said arcuate edge portionwith the opposed legs of said hook on opposite sides of said slot, and apinextending between said legs of said hook and through said slotwhereby said parts are secured in laterally fixed relation and arerelatively tiltable and relatively rotatable, said track portion havinga diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the semicylindricalportion of said second part and thereby being, adapted to receive innesting relation a portion of an adjacent link corresponding to saidsemicylindrical portion of said second part and whereby said nestingportion is adapted to engage with said track to prevent separation ofadjacent links by longitudinal stresses on said belt, said first parthaving a clamping portion in axial relation to said track portion tofrictionall grip the large end of a tapered cartridge and support, thecartridge with an intermediate portion thereof extending. through saidnesting portion to retainsaid nesting and track portions in nestingrelation, said clamping portion including means engaging said cartridgefor positively preventing rearward movement of said cartridge relativeto said link while permitting forward ejection of said cartridge, saidnesting portion having an internal diameter greater than the diameter ofthe large rear end of said'tapered cartridge to permit free forwardmovement of the cartridge therethrough, said nesting portion beingguided by said track portion for arcuate movement to permit longitudinalflexing of the cartridge belt.

6. A cartridge belt link of the push-through type adapted to cooperatewith other similar links to form a disintegrating cartridge belt forcartridges having a substantial taper forwardly toward the bullet endthereof, said link comprising a first part having a substantiallysemicylindrical portion forming an internal arcuate track, a second parthaving a substantially semicylindrical portion disposed in side-by-siderelation to said track portion with the open sides of said portionsfacing in the same direction, one of said portions having an axiallyarcuate edge portion provided with an axially extending slot and theother of said portions having an axially arcuate hook portion extendingfrom the adjacent edge thereof to fit over said arcuate edge portionwith the opposed legs of said hook on opposite sides of said trackportion hav nga diameter substantially equal to the diameter of thesemicylindrica-l portiorroi said; second part and thereby being adaptedto; receive; in nesting relation a portion of anadjaeentv linkcorresponding to. said semioylindrical portion of said second part andwhereby said nesting portion is adapted to engage with said track toprevent separation of adjacent links by longitudinal stresses on saidbelt, said first part having a clamping portion in axial relation tosaid track portion to-frictionally grip the large end of a taperedcartridge and support the cartridge with an intermediate portion thereofextending through said nesting portion to retain said nesting and trackportions in nesting relation, said clamping portion including opposedarcuate spring fingers adapted to be spread apart upon insertion of saidcartridge, the free ends ot said fingers being spaced to provide astripper-receiving slot in alignment with the open side of said trackportion, said nesting portion having an internal diameter greater thanthe diameter of the large rear end of said tapered cartridge topermitfree forward movement of the cartridge therethrough, said nestingportion being guided by said track, portion for arcuate movement topermit longitudinal flexing of the cartridge belt.

7. A cartridge belt link of the push-through type adapted to cooperatewith other similar linksv to form a disintegrating cartridge belt forcartridges having a substantial taper forwardly toward the bulletendthereof, said link comprising a first part having a substantiallysemicylindrica} portion forming an internal arcuate track, a second parthaving a substantially semicylindrical portion disposed in side-by-siderelation to said track portion with the open sides of said portionsfacing in the same direction, one of said portions having an axiallyarcuate edge portion provided with an axially extending slot and theother of said portions having an axially arcuate hook portion extendingfrom the adjacent edge thereof to fit over said arcuate edge portionwith the opposed legs of said hook on opposite sides of said slot, and apin extending between said legs of said hook and through said slotwhereby said parts are secured in laterally fixed relation and arerelatively tiltable and relativelyrotatable, said track portion having adiameter substantially equal to. the diameter of the semicylindricalportion of said second part and thereby being adapted to receive innesting relation a portion of an adjacent link corresponding to saidsemicylindrical: portion of said second part and whereby said nestingportion is adapted: to engage with said track to prevent separation ofadjacent links by longitudinal stresses on said belt, said first parthaving a clamping portion in axial relation to said track portion tofrictionally grip the large end of a tapered cartridge and support thecartridge with an intermediate portion thereof extending through saidnesting portion to retain said nesting and track portions in nestingrelation, said clamping portion including opposed arcuate spring fingersadapted to be spread apart upon insertion of said cartridge, the freeends of said fingers being spaced to provide a stripper-receiving slotin alignment with the open side of said track portion, and an inwardlyand forwardly extending lug on said clamping portion for engaging theextraction groove of said cartridge to prevent rearward movement of saidcartridge relative to said link, said lug permitting forward ejection ofsaid cartridge, said nesting portion having an internal diameter greaterthan the diameter of the large rear end of said tapered cartridge topermit free forward movement of the cartridge therethrough, said nestingportion being guided by said track portion for acuate movement to permitlongitudinal flexing of the cartridge belt.

8. A cartridge belt link of the push-through type adapted to cooperatewith other similar links to form a disintegrating cartridge belt forcartridges having a substantial taper forwardly toward the bullet endthereof, said link comprising a first part having a substantiallysemicylindrical portion forming an internal arcuate track, a second parthaving a substantially semicylindrical portion disposed in side-by-siderelation to said track portion with the open sides of said portionsfacing in the same direction, one of said portions having an axiallyarcuate edge portion provided with an axially extending slot and theother of said portions having an axially arcuate hook portion extendingfrom the adjacent edge thereof to fit over said arcuate edge portionwith the opposed legs of said hook on opposite sides of said slot, and apin extending between said legs of said hook and through said slotwhereby said parts are secured in laterally fixed relation and arerelatively tiltable and relatively rotatable, said track portion havinga diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the semicylindricalportion of said second part and thereby being adapted to receive innesting relation a portion of an adjacent link corresponding to saidsemicylindrical portion of said second part and whereby said nestingportion is adapted to engage with said track to prevent separation ofadjacent links by longitudinal stresses on said belt, said first parthaving a clamping portion in axial relation to said track portion tofrictionally grip the large end of a tapered cartridge and support thecartridge with an intermediate portion thereof extending through saidnesting portion to retain said nesting and track portions in nestingrelation, said clamping portion including opposed arcuate spring fingersadapted to be spread apart upon insertion of said cartridge, the freeends of said fingers being spaced to provide a stripper-receiving slotin alignment with th open side of said track portion, and inwardlyextending lugs adjacent the free ends of said arcuate fingers forengaging the extractor groove of said cartridge, said nesting portionhaving an internal diameter greater than the diameter of the large rearend of said tapered cartridge to permit free forward movement of thecartridge therethough, said nesting portion being guided by said trackportion for arcuate movement to permit longitudinal flexing of thecartridge belt.

9. A cartridge belt link of the push-through type adapted to cooperatewith other similar links to form a disintegrating cartridge belt forcartridges having a substantial taper forwardly toward the bullet endthereof, said link comprising a first part having a substantiallysemicylindri- 'cal portion forming an internal arcuate track, a

hook portion extending from the adjacent edge thereof to fit over saidarcuate edge portion with the opposed legs of said hook on oppositesides of said slot, and a pin extending between saidlegs of said hookand through said slot wherebysaid parts are secured in laterally fixedrelation and are relatively tiltable and relatively rotatable, saidtrack portion having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter ofthe semicylindrical portion of said second part and thereby beingadapted to receive in nesting relation a portion of an adjacent linkcorresponding to said semicylindrical portion of said second part andwhereby said nesting portion is adapted to engage with said track toprevent separation of adjacent links by longitudinal stresses. on saidbelt, said first part having a clamping portion in axial relation tosaid track portion to frictionally grip the large end of a taperedcartridge and support the cartridge with an intermediate portion thereofextending through said nesting portion to re-' tain said nesting andtrack portions in nesting relation, said nesting portion having aninternal diameter greater than the diameter of the large rear end ofsaid tapered cartridge to permit free forward movement of the cartridgetherethrough, said nesting portion being guided by said track portionfor arcuate movement to permit longitudinal flexing of the cartridgebelt, said track portion having a slot extending circumferentially fromthe edge thereof opposite said interconnecting means, said slotreceiving said interconnecting means upon arcuate movement of saidnesting portion to flex said belt in one direction from a straight line,and means on said track portion adjacent the open end of saidcircumferential slot and on said nesting portion adjacent the free edgethereof cooperating to prevent separation of said nesting and trackportions upon arcuate movement of said nesting portion to flex said beltin the opposite direction from a straight line.

10. A cartridge belt link of the push-through type adapted to cooperatewith other similar links to form a disintegrating cartridge belt forcartridges having a substantial taper forwardly toward the bullet endthereof, said link comprising a first part having a substantiallysemi-cylindricalportion forming an internal arcuate track, a second parthaving a substantially semicylindrical portion disposed in side-by-siderelation to said track portion with the open sides of said portionsfacing in the same direction, one of said portions havin an axiallyarcuate edge portion provided with an axially extending slot and theother of said portions having an axially arcuate hook portion extendingfrom the adjacent edge thereof to fit over said arcuate edge portionwith the opposed legs of said hook on opposite sides of said slot, and apin extending between said legs of said hook'and through said slotwhereby said parts are secured in laterally fixed relation and arerelatively tiltable and relatively rotatable, said track portion havinga, diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the semicylindricalportion of said second part and thereby being adapted to receive innesting relation a portion of an adjacent link corresponding to saidsemicylindrical portion of said second part and whereby said nestingportion is adapted to engage with said track to prevent separation ofadjacent links by longitudinal stresses on said belt, said first parthaving a clamping portion in axial relation to said track portion tofrictionally grip the large end of a tapered cartridge and support thecartridge with an intermediate portion thereof extending through saidnesting portion to retain said nesting and track portions in nestingrelation, said nesting portion having an internal diameter greater thanthe diameter of the large rear end of said tapered cartridge to permitfree forward movement of the cartridge therethrough, said nestingportion being guided by said track portion for arcuate movement topermit longitudinal flexing of the cartridge belt, outwardly extendinglug means on said nesting portion adjacent the free edge thereof, andcooperating inwardly extending lug means adjacent the free edge of saidtrack portion, said lug means being positioned for engagement when saidarcuate movement causes said free edges to come into proidmity wherebyseparation of said nesting and track portions is prevented.

11. A cartridge belt link of the push-through type adapted to cooperatewith other similar links to form a. disintegrating cartridge belt forcartridges having a substantial taper forwardly toward the bullet endthereof, said link comprising a first part having a substantiallysemicylindrical portion forming an internal arcuate track, a second parthaving a substantially semicylindrical portion disposed in side-by-siderelation to said track portion with the open sides of said portionsfacing in the same direction, one of said portions having an axiallyarcuate edge portion provided with an axially extending slot and theother of said portions having an axially arcuate hook portion extendingfrom the adjacent edge thereof to fit over said arcuate edge portionwith the opposed legs of said hook on opposite sides of said slot, and apin extending between said legs of said hook and through said slotwhereby said parts are secured in laterally fixed relation and arerelatively tiltable and relatively rotatable, said track portion havinga, diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the semicylindricalportion of said second part and thereby being adapted to receive innesting relation a portion of an adjacent link corresponding to saidsemicylindrical portion of said second part and whereby said nestingportion is adapted to engage with said 14 track to prevent separation ofadjacent links by longitudinal stresses on said belt, said first parthaving a clamping portion in axial relation to said track portion on oneside thereof and a guide portion axially disposed on the opposite sideof said track portion, said clamping and guide portions havingstripper-receiving slots in alignment with the open side of said trackportion, said clamping portion frictionally gripping the large end of atapered cartridge and said guide portion loosely encircling anotherportion of said cartridge to limit tilting movement thereof about itsirictionally gripped end, an intermediate portion of said cartridgeextending through said nesting portion to retain said nesting portion insaid track portion, said nesting and guide portions having internaldiameters greater than the large end of said cartridge to permit freeforward movement of the cartridge therethro-ugh, said nesting portionbeing guided by said track portion for arcuate movement to permitlongitudinal flexing of the cartridge belt.

ROY S. SANFORD. JOHN J. MURPHY.

REFERENCES QITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,345,340 Howe Mar. 28, 19442,352,954 Higson July 4, 1944 2,373,288 Becker Apr, 10, 1945 2,390,331Sanford Dec. 4, 1945 2,022,685 Moore Dec. 3, 1935 1,550,787 Dawson et a1Aug. 25, 1925 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 440,005 Great BritainDec. 18, 1935 543,842 Great Britain Mar, 16, 1942 355,767 Great Britain1931 775,551 France Oct. 15, 1934

